Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees provides strategic leadership, ethical stewardship, and independent governance for Open Gate Foundation (OGF) Kenya. The Board ensures full compliance with the NGO Coordination Act of Kenya, applicable national regulations, international standards, and donor requirements.

Trustees uphold financial integrity, program accountability, and transparency in all operations. They are committed to safeguarding principles and promoting survivor-centered, rights-based approaches across all programs and partnerships.

Leadership & Oversight

  1. Janet Gaciuki – Chairperson

Expertise: Strategic Philanthropy & Financial Stewardship
Janet provides overall leadership and strategic direction to the Foundation. She brings strong experience in philanthropy management, financial oversight, and institutional sustainability, ensuring OGF maintains accountability and long-term impact.

  1. Evelyn Kathure – Treasurer

Expertise: Finance, Community Service
Evelyn oversees financial management, budgeting, and compliance. Her background in finance and grassroots community service strengthens OGF’s transparent resource management and accountability systems.

  1. Job Kimathi Gikundi – Secretary

Expertise: Counseling, Social Work, Community Development
Job coordinates governance documentation and board administration. His experience in counseling and social work supports OGF’s psychosocial and community-centered programming.

  1. Elizabeth Muthoni – Trustee

Expertise: Women & Children Advocacy
Elizabeth champions protection and empowerment initiatives for women and children, guiding OGF’s safeguarding and advocacy programs.

  1. Mary Wacera – Trustee

Expertise: Health & Community Mobilization
Mary contributes expertise in community health programming and mobilization strategies, strengthening outreach and grassroots engagement.

  1. Justa Gaichugi – Trustee

Expertise: Business & Economic Empowerment
Justa provides guidance on entrepreneurship, livelihoods, and women’s economic strengthening initiatives.

  1. Ann Njeri – Trustee

Expertise: Education & Child Welfare
Ann supports education-focused interventions and child protection strategies within OGF’s programming.

  1. Paul Njoroge – Trustee

Expertise: Governance & Organizational Development
Paul strengthens institutional governance frameworks, policy development, and organizational growth strategies.

  1. Jane Karimi – Trustee

Expertise: Youth & Women’s Empowerment
Jane guides youth engagement and gender equality programming, ensuring inclusive development approaches.

  1. Susan Wachira – Trustee

Expertise: Health, HIV/AIDS & Social Work
Susan brings experience in public health, HIV/AIDS programming, and social work, contributing to OGF’s health and psychosocial interventions.

Management and Implementation Team

The Leadership Team translates board oversight into action, driving program design, implementation, and accountability across thematic councils and grassroots initiatives.

Core Leadership

  • Evelyn Kathure – Co Founder, Executive Director Intersectional Justice & Youth Mobilization Founder and visionary leader, championing gender‑responsive, rights‑based climate adaptation strategies and youth empowerment.

  • Job Kimathi Gikundi – Co‑Founder, Executive Director Coordination & Strategic Support Provides direct support in program oversight, coordination, and implementation. Ensures smooth alignment between thematic councils, grassroots partners, and donor priorities. Plays a key role in translating strategy into action and strengthening survivor‑led governance.

  • Maureen Makena – Director of Programs Environmental Health & Community Resilience Designs and implements youth‑led climate and health programs, ensuring participatory, inclusive frameworks.

  • John Mukaria – Finance & Compliance Officer Transparent Grant Stewardship Oversees financial management, compliance, and donor accountability, safeguarding organizational integrity.

Technical and Climate Justice Experts

  • Jamlick Muchui – Head of Climate‑Smart Agriculture Agroforestry & Indigenous Innovation

  • Dr. D. M. Memeu – Technical Advisor (Green Energy) Renewable Energy & Agricultural Innovation

  • Dorcus Kajuju – Gender & Inclusion Officer Intersectional Climate Action

Implementation and Advocacy Team

  • Liz Joy – Advocacy & Communications Lead Narrative Power & Policy Influence

  • Micheck Gatobu – Impact & Reporting Officer Grassroots Accountability

  • Alice Marete – Community Resilience Lead Local Stakeholder Engagement

  • Caroline Karimi – Logistics & Resource Coordinator Operational Sustainability

Governance and Leadership Synergy

  • Board of Trustees: Provides oversight, compliance, and strategic direction.

  • Leadership Team: Translates vision into programmatic action.

  • Technical Experts: Deliver specialized knowledge in climate, energy, and inclusion.

  • Implementation Team: Ensures grassroots accountability, advocacy, and operational sustainability.

Together, this structure ensures survivor‑led governance, donor confidence, and community‑driven impact across Kenya.